Mind and Body Problem
| The Mind Body Problem | Philosophy 101Marcus Scott | | Diane M. Mackey | 4/23/2009 |
Abstract: Although the “mind” is an intangible thing, which cannot be proved or disproved, this paper will attempt to address the mind-body problem from the three most common positions: Dualism, Materialism, & Idealism, none of which has been able to solve this centuries’ old problem. The information on this subject was so vast that a paper such as this cannot possibly give real justice to such a complicated subject matter. But, I will attempt to discuss each of the three main positions and defend the position that best suits my view of the mind-body problem. |
The mind-body problem has been one of the most intriguing questions that philosophers, psychologist, scientists, and theologians have struggled with for centuries. The mind-body problem has to do with explaining the relationship that exists between minds, or mental process, and bodily states or processes. The aim of philosophers is to determine the nature of the mind and how – or even if – minds are affected by or can affect the body.9 The core of the mind-problem seems to be an unbridgeable gap between the psychological and the physical. One of the problems is that we cannot comprehend how causality might leap across this gap. Not only do we not understand the psychophysical link, we do not even know what such an answer would look like.1 Some people have thought that the mind and body are one and the same, the mind being just one aspect of the body located in the brain. Others argue that mental phenomena are produced by the brain and not by anything immaterial and cannot be explained in physical terms.
The Mind refers to the aspects of intellect (capacity to learn, plan, reason, solve problems, use language, creativity, character, knowledge, wisdom) and consciousness (thoughts, sensations, perceptions, emotions, dreams, self awareness) manifested as combinations of thoughts.9 People
Abstract: Although the “mind” is an intangible thing, which cannot be proved or disproved, this paper will attempt to address the mind-body problem from the three most common positions: Dualism, Materialism, & Idealism, none of which has been able to solve this centuries’ old problem. The information on this subject was so vast that a paper such as this cannot possibly give real justice to such a complicated subject matter. But, I will attempt to discuss each of the three main positions and defend the position that best suits my view of the mind-body problem. |
The mind-body problem has been one of the most intriguing questions that philosophers, psychologist, scientists, and theologians have struggled with for centuries. The mind-body problem has to do with explaining the relationship that exists between minds, or mental process, and bodily states or processes. The aim of philosophers is to determine the nature of the mind and how – or even if – minds are affected by or can affect the body.9 The core of the mind-problem seems to be an unbridgeable gap between the psychological and the physical. One of the problems is that we cannot comprehend how causality might leap across this gap. Not only do we not understand the psychophysical link, we do not even know what such an answer would look like.1 Some people have thought that the mind and body are one and the same, the mind being just one aspect of the body located in the brain. Others argue that mental phenomena are produced by the brain and not by anything immaterial and cannot be explained in physical terms.
The Mind refers to the aspects of intellect (capacity to learn, plan, reason, solve problems, use language, creativity, character, knowledge, wisdom) and consciousness (thoughts, sensations, perceptions, emotions, dreams, self awareness) manifested as combinations of thoughts.9 People